Similar College Programs 115

Humber College is the only college in Ontario currently offering a comparable degree.

Institution: Humber College

Program Name & Credential: Bachelor of Applied Arts (Film and Media Production)

Program Description: The Bachelor of Applied Arts (Film and Media Production) is a four-year honours baccalaureate degree with an applied focus consisting of eight academic semesters plus a mandatory work placement. The focus and main thrust of the program is to produce graduates who have knowledge, skills and creative ability in film and media, as well as the entrepreneurial skills necessary to launch a career in this dynamic industry. Students have opportunities to write, produce, design, direct, shoot and edit picture and sound for film and media productions.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences: The first year of study in both programs is similar in that it involves basic foundations of practical craft skills as well as introductions to the academic study and analysis of film and television.

Sheridan’s proposed program differs slightly in that, while Humber’s program focuses predominantly upon the study of filmmaking and media production, Sheridan’s program incorporates these as well as all aspects of television studio production and analysis of television history in Canada as an integral and ongoing process throughout the first two years of study, with options for additional television studio work in years three and four.

During subsequent years of study, the programs differ more dramatically. After an introduction to all areas of film and television production (writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound and editing) during the first year, Sheridan’s program offers students the opportunity to choose from among several streams of program electives during years two to four (2 program electives in each term). These streams include the traditional areas of production (noted above) as a continuation from year 1 as well as several theory electives for those students who may wish to take a more academic approach to their studies. Humber students do not have the option for diversification and specialization, as the program takes a more generalist approach and students do not have the opportunity to select program electives. In this regard, Sheridan’s program follows a typical university film school approach.

The diversity of program electives allows students to either focus on one or two particular fields of study or to become a film and television generalist who is well situated to enter the workplace as an

entrepreneur/business owner. The more focused approach that Sheridan students will be exposed to affords them the option of truly perfecting their craft in specialized areas, and to enter the workforce upon graduation as a highly skilled professional. The craft specialization program electives include theoretical concepts within the specialization, increasing the rigour and academic application of the craft.

Similar three-year Ontario College Advanced Diplomas

General characteristics as defined by the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Credentials Framework:

These diplomas meet the provincial requirements for Ontario College Advanced Diplomas, but not degree-level study. These requirements include:

• Vocational learning outcomes, breadth and depth of knowledge and skills as specified by

provincial standards for advanced diplomas, but not the same as the degree-level standards;

• Fundamental generic employability skills as defined for college diplomas and advanced diplomas • 3-5 general education courses but not necessarily of increasing complexity as specified for

degree-level study; and

• Admission requirements as established in Regulations and Minister’s Binding Policy Directives,

but not equivalent to degree-level admission requirements.

Institutions:

Niagara College: Broadcasting-Radio, Television and Film Centennial College: Broadcasting and Film

Mohawk College: Broadcasting-Television and Communications Media Humber College: Film and Television Production

Analysis of Similarities and Differences

As is to be expected, the Sheridan proposed degree differs from all of the three year advanced diploma programs in that the immersion into analytical, theoretical, and research-based studies is greatly

enhanced. Given that difference, the following analyses focus upon the comparative, practical (hands-on) aspects of each program.

Institution: Niagara College

Program Name & Credential: Broadcasting-Radio, Television and Film Advanced Diploma

Program Description: The program offers three majors: radio, television and film. First year students experience all areas of broadcasting. They take courses in radio, television, film, broadcast journalism, non-linear editing and graphic design. In second year students being to specialize in either radio and television presentation or film and television production. Third year students spend their entire year in their chosen area of specialization. Students spend up to 640 hours working in a field placement.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences: Sheridan’s proposed program is focused entirely upon film and broadcast media study, (Niagara’s is more diverse and less intensive) and affords students the opportunity to study more specifically at least two selected areas of concentration (writing, producing, direction, cinematography, editing and/or sound).

Collaborations/Articulation with Universities:

• Davenport University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bachelor Applied Business, 90 credit hours are

granted, 120 additional credits to be completed.

• University of Glamorgan, Bachelor of Arts Media Production (Hons) or Bachelor of Arts Radio

(Hons), entry into year 3

• Griffith University, Australia, Bachelor of Communication, 2 years awarded

• University at Western Sydney, Australia, Bachelor of Communication Studies, equivalent to two

• Athabasca University, Bachelor of Professional Arts, 60 credits awarded

• Laurier University, Brantford, Honours Bachelor of Arts, GPA of 75 required, must complete

equivalent of 2.5 years of study

Institution: Centennial College

Program Name & Credential: Broadcasting and Film Advanced Diploma

Program Description: The program teaches the creative and technical skills for film, television and radio. Creating new and original story ideas, students learn how to manage the creative production and development process to realize their creative visions. Students spend 15 weeks in a full-time industry field placement.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences: Sheridan’s proposed program is focused entirely upon film and broadcast media study, in both dramatic and documentary formats while Centennial splits its focus between those areas plus broadcast news production. Sheridan’s program also affords students the opportunity to study at least two selected areas of concentration (writing, producing, direction, cinematography, editing and/or sound) while Centennial’s program does not offer opportunities for intensive immersion in theory and production with respect to specific craft areas.

Collaborations/Articulation with Universities:

• Partnership with Athabasca University, Professional Arts Degree (Communication Studies)

Institution: Mohawk College

Program Name & Credential: Broadcasting-Television and Communications Media Advanced Diploma

Program Description: Students develop creative skills as well as discipline and professional attitudes through the production of various program formats including sports, news and public affairs, music shows, entertainment specials and award competitions. Students acquire the technical skills needed to handle numerous operational and production positions as well as directing, producing and writing in the television field.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences: This program is primarily a television production program. Sheridan’s proposed program has much more emphasis upon creative storytelling, as well as technical and theoretical proficiency in specific areas within the film and television fields.

Collaborations/Articulation with Universities:

• Davenport University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bachelor Applied Business, 90 credit hours are

granted, 120 additional credits to be completed.

• Griffith University, Australia, Bachelor of Communication, 2 years awarded University at Western

Sydney, Bachelor of Communication Studies, equivalent to two years awarded, equipment to one year must be completed

• Athabasca University, Bachelor of Professional Arts, 60 credits awarded

• Laurier University, Brantford, Honours Bachelor of Arts, GPA of 75 required, must complete

Institution: Humber College

Program Name & Credential: Film and Television Production Advanced Diploma

Program Description: The Film and Television program is a three-year diploma that offers hands-on training in the creative field of film and television. The program focuses on production with an emphasis placed on hands-on projects. Students will produce a finished work in each year of the program. These productions will cover a variety of genres including commercials, documentaries and short features.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences: Of all the 3 year advanced diplomas, this program is the most similar to Sheridan’s proposed program. Students may choose 3 film electives during their program, giving them the opportunity to delve into one craft area to an accomplished level. The range of choice, however, is still limited compared with Sheridan’s model, which includes a total of 12 program electives, allowing students to specialize in more than one area, or survey the entire field of study.

Collaborations/Articulation with Universities:

Graduates with an overall GPA of 70% or more may be considered for admission to the four-year

Bachelor of Applied Arts – Film and Media Production degree program at Humber College and may then complete the degree with the equivalent of four semesters of full-time study plus a paid work term. Graduates must also possess ENG4U or Humber’s COMM 212 or COMM 312 with a grade of 70% or more.